Honda Vezel X 10036

The Vezel Hybrid comes in X and Z trim. In either trims, the plastic body cladding around the car is painted in the body colour, whereas in on lower-end models the cladding comes unpainted. The door handles on the front doors are finished in classy matte-finish chrome too, while the regular versions adopt a shiny chrome finish. The Vezel Hybrid’s front is almost identical to the regular Vezel’s, fog lights and daytime-running lights (DRLs) are standard equipment. Around the rear, the regular rear lights are swapped out for snazzy LED units with DRLs.
Being a hybrid model, the car’s rev counter on the left is replaced by a digital screen that shows the driver whether the batteries are being charged or used to move the car, while the screen to the right shows a visual of the where the engine and battery power are being used at the moment, as well as miscellaneous information such as mileage and fuel tank capacity.

The touchscreen air conditioning, stitching on the leather dash, and clutter-free futuristic styling on the center console on the Vezel are not niceties one would expect from a car within this price bracket. The half leather seats, and the impressively versatile “magic seats” also found in the Fit works wonders in providing an immensely practical interior. Compared to the Fit, the Vezel is quieter too. Honda mentions of “high-performance soundproofing” being used on press materials.

Powered by a 130bhp 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine similar to that of regular Vezels, the Hybrid benefits from having an additional electric motor rated at 29bhp. The get-up-and-go is ample, especially with the generous amounts of torque on offer from the extra electrical wizardry

The Vezel Hybrid also benefits from having an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox in place of a CVT ‘box, eliminating the slightly irritable CVT drone and lack of responsiveness that some drivers loathe.

Give the Sport button a push, and the car becomes more rev happy. It’s leagues more responsive and moves with an urgency you wouldn’t expect from a crossover. The electric steering rack does not see noticeable increase in weight, but nonetheless it feels as much fun to drive as its funky exterior styling suggests.

Overall, the Vezel comes across sprightly, agile, and fun. It is akin to the engaging behind-the-wheel experience of the Fit, just with better brakes (disk brakes all-round instead of rear drums) and a quieter, nicer cabin.